Animal Control Officer Mike Jarvis

In May 2016, Mike Jarvis was hired as full-time ACO for the City of Rocky River. Mike is a nationally certified Animal Control Officer with over 18 years of experience. His most recent work experience was as an ACO in the city of Cleveland. Mike was also a Cuyahoga County Dog Warden for over 14 years and a Humane Officer in training/wildlife trapper at the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

If you have lost or found a pet, have questions regarding wildlife or want to report an animal concern, contact:

Rocky River ordinances prohibit ALL PETS from running at large. The city also has ordinances limiting the number of household pets, regarding barking dogs, animal cruelty, and other matters. Rocky River does have breed specific ordinances regarding dogs in the pit bull family.

Ohio requires all dogs to be licensed. Cuyahoga County Dog Licenses are available through the County Auditor’s Office, which can be reached at (216) 443-6938. Licenses may be purchased online, at most local Drug Mart stores, or other remote sites throughout the county, click here for their locations.

The City of Rocky River does not provide wildlife trapping services at this time, however, will respond to reports of sick /injured wildlife.

Coyotes: Coyotes are prevalent in all 88 Ohio counties. They are thin, have an appearance similar to a medium-sized dog and have a bushy tail, usually with a black tip. Should you see one, make sure to bring in small pets. Wave your arms and make loud noises to scare them off. Click here for more information on how to identify a coyote, how to keep them away and what to do if you see one.

Foxes: Foxes are a vital part of our local eco-system, they help keep our small rodent population under control. Click here for more information from The Humane Society of the United States regarding foxes.

Deer: Deer are abundant most everywhere in the area and opinions differ greatly on the issue. For every resident who loves to wake up and watch this beautiful animal scamper and play in their yard, there is a resident unhappy with their vegetable garden or landscaping being destroyed by this same animal. Click here and here for some tips you may find helpful to keep deer out of your yard or garden.

Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, opossums and groundhogs: Wildlife can become pests in an urban setting. Click here for information on how to keep these animals out of your yard and your garbage cans, and what to do if one ventures inside your home or gets stuck in your chimney.

Abandoned wildlife: If you see a baby animal or nest of birds with no adult in sight, the ODNR recommends that you leave it alone. Often, a mother animal leaves her babies while she searches for food. Click here for more information on how to handle situations involving young wildlife.